Roberta Aguirre
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its lack of efficient transport connections, with no direct rail transportation and limited drop-off time for cars. The airport's security and passport control have been described as an endurance test with long queues, and its shopping and dining options are limited. The airport's design has been called tired and cramped, with low ceilings contributing to a feeling of clutter. Melbourne Airport ranked 27th in Skytrax's 2018 world's best airport rankings, with Singapore Changi taking the top spot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lack of efficient transport to and from the airport | No rail connection |
| Poor pedestrian access | Passengers cross a zebra crossing, causing a traffic bottleneck |
| Long queues at security and passport control | Staff described as "humourless" |
| Lack of seating in the domestic departure lounge | |
| Lack of shops selling distinctively local items | |
| Dated appearance | Low ceilings, cramped and cluttered spaces |
| Poor customer service |
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What You'll Learn
Poor public transport connections
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its poor public transport connections. The airport lacks direct rail transportation, with one user stating that it is "crazy that a decent train was not part of the initial infrastructure—especially when the airport is built so far out of the city".
The absence of a rail link makes accessing the airport difficult, particularly for those travelling from the Eastern Suburbs. While there are plans for a multi-billion-dollar underground rail loop connecting the airport to Melbourne's western and eastern suburbs, this development is still years away. In the meantime, passengers must rely on other means of transportation, such as the airport bus, which can be inefficient during peak hour traffic.
The lack of a train connection is especially notable when compared to other international airports, which often have direct rail links. This has led to suggestions that Melbourne Airport executives should travel overseas to learn from more efficient airports.
In addition to the lack of rail access, Melbourne Airport has also been criticised for its poor pedestrian access. Professor Bamber, an expert in the field, has stated that the airport's layout, with passengers needing to cross a zebra crossing, causes traffic bottlenecks. This issue has been raised by multiple sources, who suggest that underground pedestrian access or other improvements are needed to ease congestion.
The combination of limited public transport options and poor pedestrian access contributes to the overall negative perception of Melbourne Airport's connectivity. These issues have persisted for several years, with some losing hope that the necessary improvements will be made in the near future.
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Long security and passport control queues
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its long security and passport control queues. In 2024, one traveller reported waiting over an hour to get through security and passport control, in contrast to their swift experiences in Seoul and Tokyo. Another review from 2015 reported similar long queues, with wait times of an hour and a half or more.
The airport has also been criticised for its adoption of a particular security system, which leads to competition among passengers to get their belongings on the belt and the likelihood of being separated from them by the time they get through personal screening. This system has been described as "very stressful".
The airport's lack of direct rail transportation has also been identified as a contributing factor to the long queues, with passengers forced to cross a zebra crossing, causing a traffic bottleneck. The airport's location in relation to the city has been described as "an absolute nightmare" due to the limited drop-off time allowed and the resulting traffic congestion.
Melbourne Airport has also been criticised for its lack of facilities, with shops closing early and a limited range of shopping options beyond the typical duty-free area. The airport's low ceilings, cramped spaces, and dull atmosphere have also been noted as detracting from the overall experience.
However, some travellers have defended Melbourne Airport, stating that it is ""alright for its size" and praising its simple design and ease of navigation. While acknowledging the lack of a rail link, some have expressed that Melbourne Airport is "not the worst" and that they have experienced efficient service and friendly staff.
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Lack of seating
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its lack of seating. The airport has been described as "dull" and "depressing", with some noting that it does not reflect the calibre of the city of Melbourne. The airport's domestic departure lounge has been called out specifically for its lack of seating, giving it the feel of a "rural airport".
The airport's layout has also been criticised for forcing passengers to walk through long routes past various shops, which may contribute to the perception of a lack of seating areas. The low ceilings and cramped spaces further add to the feeling of congestion and lack of comfortable waiting areas.
Melbourne Airport's ranking in the Skytrax World's Best Airport Rankings in 2018 supports the notion that it falls behind other international airports. It was ranked 27th, while airports in Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, which are known for their efficiency and passenger comfort, were ranked higher.
The lack of seating at Melbourne Airport can impact the overall passenger experience, especially for those with reduced mobility or long layovers. It can lead to passengers having to stand or sit on the floor in congested areas, which is uncomfortable and can create a negative impression of the airport and the city it represents.
To improve the situation, Melbourne Airport could consider increasing the number of seating options available, particularly in areas such as the domestic departure lounge. Providing more comfortable and accessible waiting areas can enhance the overall passenger experience and help create a more positive impression of the airport.
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Limited shopping options
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its limited shopping options. The airport has been described as "dull" and "depressing", with some shops closing before nightfall. The airport's duty-free area, while large, offers the same luxury goods as every other airport, but there are very few shops selling distinctively local items beyond tourist souvenirs made in Asia.
The airport's departure lounge has been likened to that of a rural airport, with a lack of seating options. The arrivals hall and baggage claim area have also been criticised as "dark and spartan", lacking the modern amenities and facilities expected of a major international airport.
In contrast, airports in other major cities, such as Singapore Changi, Incheon in South Korea, and Tokyo Haneda, offer a wider range of shopping and dining options, enhancing the overall traveller experience.
Melbourne Airport has recognised the need for improvement, announcing a $500 million makeover that includes the development of a four-storey Terminal 2 with 30 new shops, restaurants, cafes, and five new airline lounges. However, critics argue that the focus should be on improving access and reducing congestion, rather than solely on increasing retail offerings.
Despite the criticisms, some travellers have defended Melbourne Airport, acknowledging that while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, it is functional and easy to navigate. Comparisons have been made to other airports, such as those in New York City and Sydney, which also face similar challenges regarding limited shopping options and infrastructure.
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Dated decor
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its dated decor, with some travellers noting that it looks like it was built in the sixties. The airport has low-ceiling design and cramped, cluttered spaces, giving it the feel of a 1990s bus terminal. One traveller commented that the decor is "tired", with the airport undergoing changes and renovations that don't seem to improve its appearance.
The decor of an airport is important, as it creates a first and last impression of a city. Melbourne, rated the most liveable city worldwide for six consecutive years, should ideally have an airport that reflects its calibre. However, Melbourne Airport falls short in this regard, with a dull and depressing atmosphere.
The arrivals hall and baggage claim area have been described as particularly lacking, with one traveller noting that it seemed "dark and spartan". The decor in these areas appears outdated, and the lack of natural light or bright, modern design features can make the space feel cramped and uncomfortable.
Melbourne Airport's decor has been compared unfavourably to other international airports. Airports in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Sydney are just a few examples of those that have been renovated and modernised to create a pleasant and efficient travel experience.
The decor of an airport is not just about aesthetics, but also about functionality. Melbourne Airport's dated decor may contribute to a sense of disorganisation and inefficiency. Low ceilings and cramped spaces can make the airport feel crowded and busy, even when it is not particularly busy.
Overall, the dated decor of Melbourne Airport can impact the traveller experience, creating a negative impression of the city and country. While the airport may be functional, a refresh of its interior design and architecture could greatly improve the overall traveller experience and bring it in line with other modern international airports.
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Frequently asked questions
Melbourne Airport has been criticised for its lack of efficient transport to and from the airport.
Melbourne Airport lacks direct rail transportation. There is no train connection to the airport, and only limited drop-off time is allowed.
Melbourne Airport has been described as "dull", with a lack of facilities and shops that close early. The airport has also been criticised for its long queues, poor customer service, and limited shopping options.
Melbourne Airport has been ranked lower than other international airports, such as Singapore Changi, Incheon (South Korea), and Tokyo Haneda. However, some people have said that Melbourne Airport is better than NYC's three main airports and most American airports.
Melbourne Airport has undergone a $500 million makeover, with a redeveloped Terminal 2 featuring new shops, restaurants, cafes, and airline lounges. There are also plans for a multi-billion-dollar underground rail loop connecting the airport to Melbourne's western and eastern suburbs.
